Puslinch – MTB Trail

Length – 20+ km

60% MTB singletrack
20% hiking trail
20% doubletrack access roads

Elevation – Mixed terrain of flat and short hills on the east side; a few quick, steep climbs

Terrain – Gravel, sand and stony areas, fields, ponds; south side has more loam; some muddy spots and more trees

Skill – Easy (good for learning) to Intermediate, a few tough spots

Traffic – Busy on weekends with MTB riders and dog walkers near the entrance (watch for poop), horseback riders; best ridden clockwise

Maps – No map board or signs; a few tree blazes; lots of intersections can make the backside confusing, but you really can’t get too lost

Facilities – Parking lot and nothing else—not even an outhouse!

Highlights – Plenty of variety, gnarly and fun, sidewinder (gravity switchbacks); Parabola trail rocks!

Trail Fee – Free

Phone – 519 621 2761

Website – Grand River Conservation Authority

Similar Trails – Christie Lake,  Forrest Lea,  Carrick Tract 

Local Clubs – Waterloo Cycling Club

Access – Parking along Wellington Rd. 32 south of Hwy 401, 4343 Wellington Rd.

Head down the centre either way around the ponds, or take the 401 trail slightly further north toward the highway, gets to the good stuff.

Puslinch Conservation Area is an excellent all-around MTB experience. Just east of Cambridge by Highway 401, it serves up 20+ km of surprisingly varied and challenging trails to discover.

Riding here, you’ll see why they say this once was an aggregate gravel pit to supply fill for constructing the highway. The hills are short and the terrain has a lot of gravel. I would think much of this is first to dry after it rains.

From the parking lot, the biking in either direction around the two ponds starts off as too easy. But just hold on, it gets much better once you’re past them. Doing this area clockwise seems to be the better option.

Heading down the north side, you’ll find stands of planted pine trees with the trail weaving in and out of them. Berms help you keep your speed on this otherwise level ground. This is a good intro trail for beginners; they will love it. Once out back, the hills appear and the trail forks out in all directions.

On some of the climbs, you’ll need plenty of steam going up and skill going down. The round stones and gravel act like a bag of marbles.

There are few signs in this moderate-sized woodlot, so take any path and explore until it ends at a sideroad. A map would be helpful, or just wing it—you will find your way back…eventually.

There is a lot packed in here and much of it is flowy and twisty, making the most of what little precious real estate there is. 

Once you head back on the southern loops, you’re totally into the hardwood forest and the soil base gets smoother. But that bliss won’t last long, as…

Read more of this review in my MTB guidebook with better topo maps and riding tips, plus 54 others. Available as an eBook or paperback.